America’s best weekly
Bishop Melvin E. Clark Sr.
Michele Newell
60th Pastoral Anniversary
Co-hosts 31st PBMF Vann Media Awards
NAACP Human Rights Dinner
Religion A9
Metro B7-B8
Metro A6
Pittsburgh Courier www.newpittsburghcourier.com
NEW
Vol. 110 No. 21
Two Sections
Published Weekly
MAY 22-28, 2019
$1.00
Howsie unanimously confirmed for Common Pleas Court President Judge Clark still mulling his assignment by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
With the state senate’s recent 47-0 confirmation of Elliot Howsie’s nomination to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, he becomes the first Black male judge to join the court since Judge Joseph K. Williams’ appointment in 2008. It also marks the first time in more than 20 years that three Black male judges have served on the court simultaneously. Howsie’s confirmation was welcomed by
ELLIOT HOWSIE
local politicians and community advocates alike. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, who appointed Howsie as the county’s first African American Chief Public Defender in 2012, said it is great. “I know that Elliot will bring the same fire, drive and dedication that he showed in the Public Defender’s office to the bench,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “He also brings his perspective as a Wilkinsburg native, as the son of a janitor, as a man who has seen the generational impact of the justice system in our community, and
as a public servant who has worked in every sector of the justice system. He has dedicated his life to service and has consistently sought opportunities to better our community.” Speaking with the New Pittsburgh Courier while attending the May 9 African American Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum, Howsie said he was extremely grateful to Governor Tom Wolf for the nomination and to the senate for his SEE HOWSIE B5
‘You and the Police’ brochure is becoming required reading by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Last month, in what state Rep. Austin Davis, D-McKeesport, called a historic development, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority of Allegheny County Police, Allegheny County Sheriff ’s Office and Wilkinsburg Police Department all agreed to make the Black Political Empowerment Project’s “You and the Police” pamphlet required reading for officers. Though the p a m p h l e t TIM STEVENS with the “You and the Police” brois designed chure. (Photo by J.L. Martello) primarily for citizens to help reduce the Executive Director Elizalikelihood of a negative en- beth Pittinger on the quiz counter, it also contains in- officers will be required to formation on constitutional take after reading it. Yes, a quiz. rights that officers should “We have a draft verbe aware of. For instance, “You have the right to re- sion, but it’s still pending cord (audio and video) po- the chief ’s approval,” said lice activity so long as you Pittinger. “I actually have can do so safely and do not SEE BROCHURE A4 physically interfere with
RANDALL TAYLOR protests with members of the Penn Plaza Support And Action Coalition outside Whole Foods Market in East Liberty, May 17. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
Whole Foods in a battle with Penn Plaza supporters
Grocer wants Penn Plaza site—protesters say no way by Rob Taylor Jr.
at Whole Foods each Friday at 5 p.m. to protest the grocer’s decision to set up shop at the new location. Whole Foods originally backed out of a plan to have a location at the Penn Plaza site, after the enormous controversy surrounding the removal of the residents, many of whom had nowhere else to go. But on April 29, it was announced that the grocer signed a lease with LG Realty to occupy 50,000 square feet of first-floor retail space on the Penn Plaza
Courier Staff Writer
Whole Foods Market is planning to add another location— the old Penn Plaza Apartments site in East Liberty, where hundreds of families (most were African American and low-income) were displaced when its owner, LG Realty Advisors, demolished the buildings two years ago. Randall Taylor and the members of the Penn Plaza Support And Action Coalition have a plan of their own, as well—they’ll be
site. The lease also provides Whole Foods with 287 underground parking spaces. It’s all part of LG Realty’s plan to revitalize the corner of Penn and Euclid avenues where the apartment buildings once stood with a nine-story office and retail development complex, named Liberty East. Taylor, during a protest on May 17, told the New Pittsburgh Courier he couldn’t believe Whole Foods decided to continue with its original plans from 2016. “I had the same reaction
their work.” Pittsburgh police Chief Scott Schubert was so impressed with the pamphlet that he not only contributed to adding additional material to its “Street Encounters” section, but also directed Deputy Chief Eric Holmes to work with Civilian Police Review Board
Hyde wins national honor
SEE WHOLE FOODS A11
Development beginning soon on Civic Arena site
by Christian Morrow
office/retail and entertainment space, PennDOT will be building a $32 million “cap” across I-579 that will reconnect the city to the Hill with a 2.6-acre park. The entire redevelopment area is now being called Centre District. Penguins General Counsel Kevin Acklin said the name is not an attempt to erase the Lower Hill—much of which was erased when demolition for the arena displaced more than 8,000 residents and 413 businesses 60 years ago. He said, because the project is reconnecting the Hill
Courier Staff Writer
On May 14, the Pittsburgh Penguins and their developers held a meeting for Hill District residents to let them know what to expect when construction soon begins on the 28-acre former Civic Arena site. But before the Intergen development team of Keith Key, Bomani Howze and Robert Agbede start work erecting 288 housing units, and before Buccini/ Pollin begins construction on the
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
To subscribe, call 412-481-8302 ext. 134
to Downtown, they chose a name that reflects that; Centre Avenue-Hill District. Because the Penguins hold the options to develop the former arena site, the housing and business projects, and future hotel and concert venue projects—and their level of Black contracting and hiring compliance—will be overseen by Acklin and Deputy Counsel Tracey McCants Lewis. The cap, however, is the responsibility of the Sports and Exhibition Authority because it owns the land. SEE DEVELOPMENT B5
LANCE HYDE, middle, diversity manager at EQT Corporation, was named Supplier Diversity Professional of the Year, a national award, on May 16. See story on Page B1.
Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick on
Are you a member of the NAACP? If not, why not? Forum B6
A2
MAY 22-28, 2019
INTERNATIONAL
Mati Diop on being the first Black female director in Cannes
by Jake Coyle
Associated Press Writer
CANNES, France (AP) —Mati Diop was initially disappointed when she, by reading a news article, discovered that she was the first Black female filmmaker in the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious competition in its 72-year history. “I hadn’t realized myself. I didn’t know,” the 36-yearold French-Senegalese filmmaker said in an interview. “My first reaction is that I found it quite sad. I thought, ‘Oh, is it?’ So there’s still a long way to go before it becomes something completely natural and normal and something that’s not noticeable, the fact that I’m a Black woman.” Diop’s milestone has been enthusiastically celebrated in Cannes, where she on Thursday premiered her feature film debut “Atlantics.” The film, which POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS—Director Mati Diop poses for is competing for Cannes’ photographers at the photo call for the film “Atlantique” at the 72nd top honor, the Palme d’Or, international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 17. (Photo focuses on the women left by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP) behind in Dakar when many of the local young men flee Senegal for Spain legacy and his 1972 film, to consider Penelope (of by boat, unable to make a considered a cornerstone of “Ulysses”) a passive figure living at home. African cinema. who’s just waiting for her But for Diop, her unique Diop has gradually beloved to come back,” position in Cannes is a formed her own aesthetic, said Diop. “What I found perplexing distinction. one that sometimes bleeds interesting is that although “What I realized, and I’m documentary and fiction. A these women are waiting not used to this feeling, is friend called “Atlantique” a for these men to come, that it happened to me. I’m fantasy documentary.” Diop their life is transformed by not responsible for that. I prefers “a contemplative the experience of this loss. haven’t done anything spe- action film.” It’s how these women can cific for that. I’ve just made “It was written as a ficreconquer their own life the film I wanted to make,” tion but I don’t make this and reach a certain level of said Diop. “I’m not embarlimit. I don’t think it’s our emancipation through the rassed. I’m not proud. I just business as filmmakers to loss they experience.” take it as a pure fact.” “Atlantics” marks Diop’s first feature as a director, but she’s previously made five shorts, one of which was the basis for her Cannes entry. That 2009 short bore the same title but a different perspective, concentrating on a young man forced into a dangerous migration. “I was myself a witness of the CAST AND CREW—Writer/director Mati Diop, fourth from left, poses with situation, quite a close witness,” said cast and crew upon arrival at the premiere of the film “Atlantique” at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16. (AP the Paris-based Diop, who 10 years Photo/Petros Giannakouris) ago visited her famdraw these limits between ily in Senegal. “It was 10 Diop has gradually documentaries and fiction. come to terms with her years ago that there was this whole wave of a young When you have the desire history-making status in generation who were trying to make a film, you make Cannes. On Friday, she a film,” she says. “The to flee. They went toward told reporters that maybe reality that I described is Spain and many of them she is a little proud, and so anchored in social and disappeared. I needed to noted that Jordan Peele’s tell this story. I had already political and economic films (“Us,” “Get Out”) have terms, of course there is a dealt with it in my short been enthralling for her. real texture and embodibut I felt I wasn’t done In the interview, she cited ment of the subject and my Sofia Coppola’s “The Virgin with it.” approach it in it that can Diop links her reconnecSuicides” as a guidepost to be documentary-like.” tion with Senegal to her her. “Atlantics” is also dazbirth as a filmmaker. She is “I must acknowledge that the daughter of Senegalese zlingly otherworldly, with myself, when I was growing waves of sorrow washing jazz musician Wasis Diop up, I didn’t have a Black or and niece of the pioneering up on Dakar shores. Mama mixed race filmmaker who Senegalese director Djibril Sane plays Ada, whose would have been inspiraboyfriend, along with his Diop Mambéty (“Toutional to me,” said Diop. shipmates, vanish at sea. ki Bouki”). Diop’s 2013 “It’s important to have After, a mysterious specter these kinds of figures. So documentary “A Thousand Suns” examined her uncle’s haunts many of those who if I may someday become drove the young men away. a kind of figure like to for Diop compares the tale to younger women, then that THE “Ulysses.” would be wonderful. So I NEW PITTSBURGH “It’s a misunderstanding think it does matter.” COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY
Publication No.: USPS 381940 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-481-8302 Fax: 412-481-1360 The New Pittsburgh Courier is published weekly periodicals paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. PRICE $1.00 (Payable in advance) 6 Months.....$25 1 Year....$45 2 Years...$85 9 Month School Rate $35
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
Week of May 22-28 May 22 1863—The War Department establishes the Bureau of Colored Troops and began to aggressively recruit Blacks for the Civil War. The Black troops would play a major role in turning the tide of battle against the rebellious Southern slave states. 1959—Benjamin O. Davis Jr. becomes the first African American general in the U.S. Air Force. His father, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., had been the first Black general in the U.S. Army. 1966—Entertainer Bill Cosby becomes the first African American to receive an Emmy for Best Actor in a dramatic series—for his role in the 1960s television series “I Spy.” BENJAMIN O. DAVIS JR. May 23 1921—“Shuffle Along”—the first of a succession of widely popular Black musicals performed for White audiences—opened at the 63rd Street Theatre in New York City, becoming the first African American Broadway musical. The musical comedy combined the talents of the legendary team of Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle. “Shuffle BILL COSBY Along” produced a long list of hits including “Shuffle Along,” “I’m Just Wild about Harry,” “Gypsy Blues” and “Love Will Find A Way.” 1981—Legendary Reggae artist Bob Marley is given an official state funeral in his homeland of Jamaica. He had died of cancer on May 11 in Miami. Marley and his band “The Wailers” had made Reggae popular worldwide with such hits as “Stir It Up” and “No Woman, No Cry.” He was considered the first third world superstar and a prophet of the Rastafarian religion. He was only 36 when he died. His body now lies in a mausoEUBIE BLAKE and leum in Jamaica. NOBLE SISSLE May 24 1854—Anthony Burns, one of the most celebrated fugitive slaves in American history, is captured by deputy U.S. Marshals in Boston. But at the time anti-slavery feeling was running high in Boston and it was one of the cities which had vowed not to BOB MARLEY obey the Fugitive Slave Act—a federal law that required even those opposed to slavery to help slave owners capture run-away slaves. For fear that Boston residents would help Burns escape to Canada, the U.S. government sent 2,000 troops to Boston to assist in returning Burns to Virginia. Thousands lined the streets as Burns was marched to a ship on June 3 for a trip back South. However, a Black Boston church raised the money to purchase Burns and within a year of his capture, he was back in Boston a free man. ANTHONY BURNS 1856—The so-called Pottawatomie Massacre takes place. A force of men led by famed abolitionist John Brown attacks a pro-slavery settlement in Franklin County, Kan., leaving at least five men dead. The attack was part of a period known as “Bleeding Kansas” when pro and anti-slavery forces battled one another in a bid to determine whether Kansas would be a slave or free territory. The “Pottawatomie Massacre” was also one of the events which made the Civil War unavoidable. 1944—Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is born Patricia Louise LUTHER ‘BOJANGLES’ Holte in Philadelphia, Pa. ROBINSON May 25 1878—World renowned dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson is born in Richmond, Va. Robinson was one of the best and best-known dancers in America up until the 1940s. He was known for his sensational footwork and speed. He once set a world record running the 75-yarddash backwards in 8.2 seconds. But his “Bojangles” style—designed to please White audiences—angered some Blacks. However, he became a wealthy man appearing in 15 motion pictures after MADAME C.J. WALKER the 1930s. 1919—Wealthy cosmetics empire owner, Madame C.J. Walker, dies on this day at her estate on Irvington-on-the-Hudson in New York. Walker is generally believed to have been the first Black millionaire in American history. 1926—Famed Jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis was born on this day in 1926. MILES DAVIS 1943—One of the largest White riots of the 1940s takes place in Mobile, Ala. The Whites were outraged because the owners of a local shipyard company had upgraded the status and pay of 12 Black workers. May 26 1799—The famous Black Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is born in Moscow, Russia. Pushkin was of Russian and Ethiopian parentage. He was well educated and went on to become a prolific writer. Indeed, he is generally credited with being the “Father of Russian Literature.” 1949—Pamela Suzette Grier is born in Winston-Salem, N.C. Pam Grier becomes one of the premier Black actresses and one of the top sex symbols of the 1970s, playing in a host of so-called “Black exploitation movies.” She starred in Quentin ALEXANDER PUSHKIN Tarantino’s film “Jackie Brown,” for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Her more recent work includes “The L Word”, “Smallville”, “Larry Crowne” and “This Is Us”. May 27 1958—Ernest Green graduates from Little Rock, Ark.’s Central High School, becoming the first Black to do so. Green was a member of the “Little Rock Nine”— the group of Black students who first integrated the high school with the aid of federal troops. PAMELA SUZETTE GRIER 2010—The Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University releases a stunning study showing that the typical White household had accumulated 20 times as much wealth as the typical Black household. According to the study, median White family wealth stood at roughly $100,000 while median Black family wealth was estimated at $5,000. May 28 1936—Betty Shabazz, the widow of Black nationalist leader Malcolm X, was born on this day in Detroit, Mich. Shabazz was born Betty Jean Sanders and raised by foster parents. She attended Tuskegee Institute (now university) and became a registered nurse. In 1994, she created a national controversy when she linked Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan to the assassination of Malcolm X. However, she and Farrakhan reconciled in 1995 and she spoke at the historic Million Man March. She died June 23, 1997 as a result of injuries received in a house fire set by her grandson. 2010—A book is released revealing that during the mid-1970s when much of the world was lining up to help overthrow racist White minority rule in South Africa, Israel was attempting to aid the racist regime up to the point of providing it with chemical and nuclear weapons for possible use against the country’s majority Black population. The documents were BETTY SHABAZZ discovered by American scholar Sasha Polakow-Suransky while researching the book “The Unspoken Alliance: Israel’s Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa.” Though seldom mentioned by American media, it was an open secret during the 1970s that Israel was one of the Apartheid regime’s closest allies. Apartheid is what the minority White government called its system of racial oppression.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 22-28, 2019
A3
A4
METRO
MAY 22-28, 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
‘You and the Police’ brochure is becoming required reading Officers are being quizzed on brochure’s content— students reading it, too BROCHURE FROM A1
to pause and think about it—it’s pretty cool. Given all the resistance we faced in the past, it’s really is encouraging.” Once approved, it will be distributed to the other departments that have signed on. But it may go even further. Tim Stevens, B-PEP chair, said Chief Schubert
wasn’t the only one in favor of expanding the brochure’s reach. “In one of the meetings prior to our press conference announcing these cooperative initiatives, we were talking about how a lot of the smaller municipal departments don’t have the depth of training the Pittsburgh bureau does, and
Sheriff Mullen suggested getting the brochures to the state police because they do trainings for other departments—so we’re pursuing that,” he said. “That could make it part of the training for departments across the commonwealth. I think that’s a big deal.” But, of course, the audience that might benefit
most from learning what’s in the brochure is youth. And to that end, Stevens said he and Pittinger have already had productive discussions with administrators in several school districts. “We’ve met with principals in the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese and they’ve agreed to print
and distribute it and students will be quizzed on it,” he said. “Woodland Hills School District has agreed to distribute it through their social studies curriculum, and Propel Munhall is also participating.” Of course, Stevens is also working to get it into Pittsburgh Public Schools. “We’ve spoken to Superintendent Anthony Hamlet,
REVEREND GLENN GRAYSON speaks at the podium during a press conference last month about the success of the updated “You and the Police” brochure. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
and he and his team are evaluating it and possibly doing it through their social studies,” said Stevens. “The bottom line is this could save lives and eliminate negative interactions, arrests, beatings, whatever. Something as simple as this brochure could be a powerful tool to improve community-police relations, and to make our communities safer—for everybody.”
THE PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY POLICE is taking the "You and the Police" brochure's contents to heart.
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 22-28, 2019
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
‘Movie Scene Queen Day’ in Pittsburgh
A BIG CELEBRATION—Merecedes J. Williams, the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Film/TV show critic, was honored with a proclamation declaring May 14, 2019 “Movie Scene Queen Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. Pictured, left to right: Marjani Howze-Jetter, Marlena Williams, Keith Williams, Bomani Howze, Merecedes J. Williams, Maisha Howze, Sala Udin, Jaqueline Howze, Nia Howze, Zaire Howze-Jetter. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess presented a proclamation declaring Tuesday, May 14, 2019, as “Movie Scene Queen Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. Movie Scene Queen is an interactive entertainment blog for free movies and music, which recently celebrated six years in business, hosting 215 advanced movie screenings, and distributing more than 50,000 free movie tickets to Pittsburgh residents. “This day is more than glitz and glamour, but
the celebration of women in business and their commitment to making Pittsburgh a better place,” said founder Merecedes J. Williams. “Movie Scene Queen provides a platform in community service, a voice for the unheard, and access to entertainment for all.” The New Pittsburgh Courier honored Mrs. Williams as a member of the Class of 2013’s Fab 40 under 40. In April 2018, Williams earned a Pennsylvania Keystone Press Award-second place, for Feature Beat Reporting.
“Don’t stop! There are so many elements against Black women in Pittsburgh that tangible things seem impossible to grasp,” Williams said in a message to other African American women in Pittsburgh. “But, stay positive, stay persistent, and be patient. This whole table talk about getting an invitation, having a seat at the table, and providing valuable information...I say that’s nonsense. Be the table. In other words, provide the opportunity, the discussion and the results.”
MERECEDES J. WILLIAMS is honored with a proclamation declaring May 14, 2019 “Movie Scene Queen Day” in Pittsburgh by City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess.
Support the Courier, one of America’s most iconic African American newspapers. Subscribe today, by calling 412-481-8302 ext. 134.
A5
A6
MAY 22-28, 2019
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
The Rev. Al Sharpton keynotes NAACP Human Rights Dinner
THE REV. AL SHARPTON, at the Pittsburgh NAACP 65th Annual Human Rights Dinner, held May 7 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, Downtown. (Photos by Brian Vincent)
TIM STEVENS, REV. AL SHARPTON, PITTSBURGH NAACP PRESIDENT RICHARD STEWART JR.
THE PITTSBURGH NAACP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, with Tim Stevens and Akemi Harrison also pictured.
ALEX MATTHEWS, JOE CIEPLY
STEPHANIE TURMAN, MAYOR BILL PEDUTO
DESHELLE TAYLOR, BRENDA TATE, ANGEL ALLEN, JOY STARZL
NATIONAL
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
ROBERT F. SMITH
Robert Smith to pay off student loans for all 400 graduates of Morehouse College by Frederick H Lowe For New Pittsburgh Courier
(TriceEdneyWire.com)— Black billionaire Robert F. Smith has awarded the class of 2019 at Morehouse College for Men a gift graduating seniors and their parents won’t ever forget. Smith, founder, and chair of Vista Equity Partners and a philanthropist announced on Sunday that he would pay off student loan debt for all of the 400 2019 graduates, which is estimated to be $40 million. “My family is going to create a grant to eliminate your student loans,” Smith
told seniors during Morehouse’s 135th Commencement address. “You great Morehouse men are bound by only the limits of your conviction and your own creativity.” After he made the announcement, students chanted “MVP.” Morehouse College was founded in 1867 in the basement of Springfield Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. The school moved to Atlanta in 1885. Wellknown graduates include filmmaker and actor Spike Lee, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Forbes estimates that Vista has assets of $5 billion, making Smith the wealthiest African-American man in the U.S. Along with Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates, Smith is part of a group of American billionaires committed to dispersing their wealth to improve the lives of others. Smith urged graduates to help others. Smith’s decision to pay off the student loan debt followed his earlier announcement that he would donate $1.5 million to Morehouse.
(Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNews Today.)
(Photo: The Decarceration Collective)
Black women lawyers freed 17 inmates serving life sentences, receive financing assistance from Kim Kardashian by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent
“Let’s pause here to give a little credit where credit is due. Freeing 17 prisoners—all of whom were serving life sentences without parole—is impressive and commendable and the result of a campaign—90 Days of Freedom—launched by Kardashian’s attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, a Black woman,” Anne Branigin wrote for The Grapevine. The Decarceration Collective’s MiAngel Cody, another Black female lawyer, also collaborated on the project. “If we wanted to go back even further, it’s worth knowing the viral Mic video on Alice Marie Johnson that moved Kardashian to act was facilitated by—you guessed it—a Black woman, Topeka Sam,” Branigin said. Kim Kardashian, who has deservedly made headlines for helping to win the freedom of as many as 17 mostly African American prisoners who were life without parole sentences, reportedly has signed a deal with Oxygenfor a documentary tentatively titled, “Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project.” The project focuses on the socialite’s recent foray into criminal justice reform. Hopefully, it will also shine a light on the African American women lawyers, like Anne Barnett, Topika Sam and MiAngel Cody, who many argue deserve the lion’s share of the credit that’s gone almost exclusively to Kardashian. The Decarceration Collective is led by African American female attorneys Cody and Bella Bahhs. It counts as a premier collective of lawyers, community organizers, and criminal justice policy consultants working to dismantle a system that privileges prisons over people. The organization provides federal criminal defense, strategic communications and public relations counsel and they serve individual, public and nonprofit clients throughout the United States. “MiAngel Cody and I have been doing this work for free,” Barnett said in a statement. “Ask any of our dozens of clients who are now free living their best lives. Both of us left six-figure salary jobs and wiped
out our own savings accounts to fund our work,” she said. “We attempted to get grants from these large foundations shelling out millions of dollars to other organizations but would not look our way because they so-called don’t fund “direct services.’“Our hands were full picking locks to human cages, we didn’t have time to participate in glorified begging from the nonprofit industrial complex only to be turned down,” she said. Barnett explained that Kardashian “linked arms with us to support us when foundations turned us down.” “We and our clients and their families have a lot of love for [Kardashian] and are deeply grateful for her,” she said. Barnett also isn’t blaming Kardashian for the media attention. “Kim has always been very clear in her role. It’s the media that spins it around— not Kim. We do not care how the media is portraying it, that’s what the media does,” She said. “Who cares? We need Kim’s support and the support of anyone else who wants to join this fight. We love that she is using her platform to raise awareness. We are not trying to be famous. We are trying to get our people free. Period,” Barnett said. In 90 days, the African American attorneys freed 17 people from life without parole sentences—the second-most severe penalty permitted by law in America. “Only two of us … Prosecutors opposed nearly every single case we had,” Barnett said. “We litigated our asses off in federal courts across the country. We won downward departures in most of our cases due to good lawyering,” she said. Barnett continued: “People set to die in prison are now free. Our clients weren’t even on this selective list the Sentencing Commission sent out or on federal defenders’ radars. “In fact, we have copies of letters federal defenders sent some of our clients telling them they weren’t even eligible for relief under the First Step Act—but we got them free. “Our work in 90 days is historic. We picked some up from prison. We gave re-entry stipends. We continue to support them upon release.”
MAY 22-28, 2019
A7
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
A8
MAY 22-28, 2019
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report What did I miss?
For months I have thought about going to the 50-year celebration of Monroeville Mall. It was on Saturday, May 18. Unfortunately I had an event to cover that was right on the mall property. I guess the smart thing for me to do would have been to stop by the mall before the event and not wait and go after. Of course everything has a time frame and nothing is going to wait on me. I’m thinking for the 50th anniversary of a big mall that needs all the positive publicity it can get, the celebration should have gone on all day. Reportedly the event was to feature family-friendly entertainment, such as photos with superheroes and princesses, face painting, a DJ, cookie sales for charity, vendors and giveaways. I saw a lot of vendors and Claire’s had a stuffed bear that was walking around and seemed very friendly. The information that I could find said the pictures and main events were to last until 6 p.m. I got to the mall before 5 p.m. and it was very quiet. But I took a walk from one end to another and picked up the items that were on my list. I am old enough to have seen several local malls shut their doors. Remember Eastland Mall and what about Century III? Who would have thought they would be totally closed. I was hoping when I got to Monroeville Mall I would see decorations all over the mall and I thought stores would have giveaways and coupons. I wanted it to be like a carnival. I did see two balloons by an empty table. One balloon was a five, the other a zero in gold. It was all so sad. This was the mall that I grew up with. I remember the grand opening. It was where I had my second, third and fourth jobs. My second job was at Toyco on the lower level and then I worked at the Ormond Shop as well, Susan Ives Ups and Downs and for a short period of time I worked at Horne’s in Monroeville Mall. I come from the era when the mall had an ice skating rink and sold these great hot dogs right outside of the rink. There was not a food court. The mall had great stores and at that time shootings at the mall were unheard of. People did not just drop their kids off at the mall back in the seventies. When I was walking around last Saturday I saw a lot of empty storefronts. One of the jobs that I have always wanted to have was the event planner for a mall. Back in the day there used to be fashion shows in the mall, entertainment and lots of fun. That is all the job of the event planner. The mall was like the town square. I wish those activities would make a comeback. Let’s hope that Monroeville Mall will be around for a while longer. “I’ll do my part.” (Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)
MS. ELK—Marah Connor, Lynn D. Butler and Carla Malloy
ENTREPRENEUR AWARD HONOREE—Gwendolyn Starr, Terri Lynn Shields and Donna Johnson Smith
Annual Honoring Awards Banquet by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
PDGR and Bro. Michael Ferguson, DDGER. These awards are always a surprise to the
recipient and both were pleasantly surprised. Iris J. Jones, Dt. State Presi-
Each year Bon Ami Temple #49 honors those who have contributed so much to Elkdom and to the community. On April 6, at the Penn Hills Comfort Inn, Bon Ami #49—Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World held their black tie gala. With the return of Char Biggs (now Char Fields), also known as the emcee that sings, awards were presented to members of Elkdom and the community. Pennsylvania state Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr. received the Advocacy Award. Bon Ami #49 has a tradition of asking someone who knows the awardee to make the presentation. Pennsylvania state Representative Ed Gainey was delighted to present the award to Rep. Wheatley along with Dtr. Theresa Jo Hendricks . The Entrepreneur Award was presented to Terri Lynn Shields, CEO of JADA House International, a faith-based outreach program. Her profile was read by her daughter, Donna Johnson Smith, and the award was presented by Dtr. Gwendolyn Starr. Elkdom Honorees included: Ms. Elk, Dtr. Lynn D. Butler and Mr. Elk, Bro. Anthony “Tony” Banks. The Good Daughter Award was presented to Dtr. Betty J. Dunbar and the Good Brother Award was presented to Bro. Tyrone Smith. The presentations were made by Marge Eubanks, ADVOCACY AWARD—Ed Gainey, Theresa Jo Hendricks and Jake Wheatley Jr.
THE EMCEE THAT SINGS—Char Fields with husband, Toroe Fields
GOOD BROTHER—Tyrone Smith and Michael Ferguson
DT. STATE PRESIDENT—Iris J. Jones
dent, made closing remarks and wished everyone traveling mercies.
GOOD DAUGHTER—Betty J. Dunbar and Marge Wright Eubanks
MR. ELK—Anthony “Tony” Banks, Char Holiday and Nazzera McMillian
MEMBERS OF BON AMI #49 (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
RELIGION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 22-28, 2019
A9
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 10:00 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com Worship on Sunday: Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m. Taize Prayer Service (Wed.) 7 p.m.
MAN OF THE HOUR—Bishop Melvin E. Clark Sr. is celebrated for BISHOP MELVIN E. CLARK SR., BISHOP CHARLES E. BLAKE, Presiding Bishop of COGIC. (Photos by 60 years of outstanding service at The Church In The Round in Courier photographer Jacquelyn McDonald) Aliquippa. The celebration took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Moon.
What a celebration for Bishop Melvin Eugene Clark Sr.
Curious about Quakerism? You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue http://www.quaker.org/legacy/pghpamm
Join our 60th Diamond Pastoral growing Anniversary held, May 6 Praise by Jacquelyn McDonald and Worship Church Community!
mentored. Clark, a former elementary school principal before becoming a full-time Holiness PreachThe bristling crowd of nearly 500 at the Sheraton er, is known as the compassionate preacher in his Pittsburgh Airport Hotel community and church. He Ballroom in Moon Townhas personally invested in ship was full of nostalgia the careers of many of his and reflection when they young members while servgathered on May 6 to celing them in the capacity ebrate the 60th Diamond of Surrogate and Spiritual Pastoral Anniversary of Father. Bishop Melvin Eugene An array of awards, Clark Sr. An orchestrated plethora accolades and proclamations from the city, of Pastors, Bishops and county and state were politicians from the area on display to verify the joined in with friends and Bishop’s impact on the former members of the Beaver County communiFirst Church Of God In Christ, aka The Church In ty. An additional banquet The Round of Aliquippa, to highlight was a presentation from Representative honor their pastor. Karen Bass, Chair of Everyone stood as Dr. the Congressional Black Curtis Daniels of Ohio struck the prompting note Caucus. Bishop Clark continues on the keyboard and Facilitator, Pastor Wayne Cobb, to energize and inspire announced the entrance of through The Family Life the more than 25 Head Ta- Center, located on the ble guests, including inter- second level of the Church In The Round. The 501national classical recordC3 nonprofit organization ing artist, Audrey DuBois Harris, the evening’s guest founded and established by Bishop Clark in the early Psalmist and keynote 1990s serves and motivates speaker, Bishop Charles economically-distressed Edward Blake Sr., Prefamilies by assisting with siding Bishop and Chief tutoring, food, clothing, Apostle of the Church Of and health and wellness God In Christ Inc. An entourage of hostesses initiatives. The trailblazing visions and armor bearers cheered of Bishop Clark have with thunderous applause become the “benchmark of as the Guest Of Honor, leadership for apprentices, Bishop Melvin E. Clark interns and those new pioSr., entered the ballroom neers in church ministry.” adorned in purple and Bishop Melvin E. Clark white. Sr. is married to Lady MeBishop Clark beamed lessie Evelyn Reeves Clark, with pride as he observed affectionately entitled the attorneys, doctors, “Little Mama,” and is the nurses, teachers and father of five accomplished Ministers of the Gospel of children. Jesus Christ whom he’d For New Pittsburgh Courier
BISHOP MELVIN E. CLARK SR.
LADY MELESSIE E. CLARK, wife of Bishop Melvin E. Clark Sr.
For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar! Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com
DISTINGUISHED COGIC LEADERS gathered to celebrate Bishop Melvin E. Clark Sr. at the Sheraton Hotel in Moon, May 6.
The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.
A10
METRO
MAY 22-28, 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PRESERVING THE HISTORIC ‘NEGRO MOUNTAIN’ Members of the Edna B. McKenzie branch of ASALH visit the ridge four times per year to help keep it clean, while respecting its historical significance by Alonna J. Carter For New Pittsburgh Courier
On May 11, members of the Edna B. McKenzie branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) traveled to Negro Mountain in Garrett County, Maryland, to clean the area of litter, while always respecting the significance of this space in African American history. The Edna B. McKenzie branch is based in Pittsburgh and adopted a portion of the highway that runs through Negro Mountain in 2018. Our branch cleans it four times each year. The upkeep of Negro Mountain is just one of the projects that our group has taken on. Our organization offers many efforts to educate the public about the places and issues that have affected people of African American descent, and to preserve sites of historical significance. Though we are not the first group to take up the effort, our group is diligent in ensuring the area stays clean and that the public is educated about the free African American man for which the moun-
tain is named: Nemesis. Nemesis was traveling with a White frontiersman named Thomas Cresap and others when he was killed during a skirmish with a local Native American tribe. Cresap was killed as well, and the mountain was named to honor Nemesis due to his bravery during the fighting, albeit alluding to his race rather than his actual name. The historical account of the event can be found in the June 15, 1756 issue of The Maryland Gazette, where it states: “A free Negro who was with the English, was killed in that Thicket where the wounded Indian retired, when Mr. Thomas Cresap was killed…” There is also mention of the incident in a 1756 edition of The Pennsylvania Gazette, although Nemesis is neither named nor mentioned. No other information about Nemesis’ origins or how he acquired free status in the early years of American slavery is known. This situation is not uncommon; details about people of African descent were often obscured from the record. Additionally, as with many events in American history that involve a person of col-
THE EDNA B. MCKENZIE BRANCH of ASALH cleans a portion of Negro Mountain four times per year.
MEMBERS OF THE EDNA B. MCKENZIE BRANCH of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, at Negro Mountain, May 11. or, the mountain has been the subject of controversy— both due to the name, and the events that took place there. Edna B. McKenzie branch president Ronald B. Saunders thinks that to debate Nemesis’ actions in 1756 is moot. “How can any intelligent person living in the 21st century condemn Nemesis, who was trying to survive in the 18th century?” he asked. “Any 21st century value judgement on Nemesis must be done with keen, acute understanding and appreciation for the history of that period which often placed Africans, First America Indigenous, and European settlers at odds over interests.” In an age where monuments to the Confederacy have been felled by a con-
scious effort to acknowledge the wrongs of the past, Negro Mountain has also had its fair share of scrutiny. Some view the word “negro” as an antiquated and offensive term that should be removed from the “Negro Mountain” name. Others understand it as a historical attribution and avenue for people to find out what the place is truly all about. There have been attempts to change the name, but the name “Negro Mountain” remains—a symbol of the complexities of America’s relationship with race. Two hundred sixty-three years after Nemesis and Thomas Cresap met their fate, Negro Mountain is marked by a small placard in a picnic area complete with tables and stone grills on the Maryland side.
As you may know, Negro Mountain is a 30-mile ridge of the Allegheny Mountains, stretching from Deep Creek Lake in Maryland, north to Pennsylvania’s Casselman River. The area is still surrounded by the verdant and dense woodland that the men would have encountered in the Pre-Revolutionary War era. Being out in the open and a small space, the area is prone to littering and dumping. However, members of ASALH encountered only small amounts of trash and garbage during our trip, showing that the area is being used, and that perhaps more people are learning about the story of an 18th-century African American pioneer. After cleaning up, the group traveled to Mount
Davis, which is the summit of Negro Mountain, at a height of 3,213 feet, also the highest point in Pennsylvania. Many of our members climbed to the top of the observation tower to experience the breathtaking views. From Pittsburgh, Mount Davis is about 85 miles to the southeast. Our organization plans to return to Negro Mountain a few more times this year. Marlene Bransom, president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) and a member of ASALH, described the experience as feeling like, “I was in heaven.”
(Alonna J. Carter is historian of the Edna B. McKenzie Branch of ASALH.)
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 22-28, 2019
A11
Whole Foods in a battle with Penn Plaza supporters Grocer wants Penn Plaza site— protesters say no way WHOLE FOODS FROM A1
that a lot of citizens had, they thought it was cowardly,” Taylor said. “They…were insulting our intelligence by thinking we had forgotten all of this. It was very insulting to the public. We want them to pull out of the Penn Plaza site,” Taylor continued. “We consider that to be sacred ground.” About 20 people participated in the planned protest, May 17, which was met with eight Pittsburgh Police officers who wouldn’t let the protesters block the entrance for drivers to get into the parking lot. Officers also stood near the entrance of the store, seeming to not allow any of the protesters to go inside the store, especially those holding a sign. Some of the signs read, “Justice for Penn Plaza residents now—Amazon can afford it,” and “Hey, Alexa, give us back our homes.” Amazon, the online retail behemoth, announced in June 2017 it was purchasing Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion. “We’re not being violent, we’re not hurting anybody, we have not disturbed the peace,” Taylor said in a megaphone towards the officers. “I have no idea why
cial bottom line. Taylor told the Courier that if Whole Foods won’t budge on their decision to have a location on the Penn Plaza site, the company should provide financial restitution to the residents who were displaced. “Many of those residents walked away from there with as little as $800 after living there for 30 years,” he said. “Whole Foods is the reason why we were displaced from Penn Plaza. If they had never entered into anything with LG Realty, ‘Limitless Greed’ Realty, that never would have happened. They have a moral and financial obligation to those people that got dis- PENN PLAZA SUPPORT AND ACTION COALITION MEMBERS protest Whole Foods’ recent decision to sign a lease with LG Realty Advisors placed.” for another Whole Foods location on the old Penn Plaza site. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.) Taylor made it a point not to blame the customers of the East Liberty Whole Foods, but, “every consumer should recognize when you are patronizing and giving money to bad players, bad companies and bad neighbors like Whole Foods Amazon East Liberty.” The current Whole Foods Market store on Centre Avenue occupies 32,500 square feet and has been open since 2002. If Whole Foods continues to honor the lease it signed in April with LG Realty and occupy the location at the Penn
RANDALL TAYLOR of Penn Plaza Support And Action Coalition: “Every consumer should recognize when you are patronizing and giving money to bad players, bad companies and bad neighbors like Whole Foods Amazon East Liberty.” the Pittsburgh Police are here acting as a personal security force (for Whole Foods), and we’re paying them? We’re paying them? They should be protecting us.” As protesters chanted, “Amazon Prime is Amazon Crime,” onlookers such as Ravi Alagar told the Courier he was “not a fan” of the displacement of the Penn Plaza residents in the first place. “I think this is the double-edged sword with Google, the Bakery Square, etc., I don’t know how people can afford all this.” The “G” word, gentrification, has been at the beginning of many people’s sentences after watching East Liberty transform from a majority-African American community with urban lifestyle-oriented stores to a boom of high-end apartments, new stores that appeal to the mainstream consumer, and a loss of at least 1,000 African Americans from East Liberty over a period of recent years. But for Selima Dawson, who’s lived in the East Liberty area since she was 10 years old, she’s not surprised Whole Foods wants the more spacious site down the street. “It’s the nature of the beast,” she said, referring to businesses that see just the finan-
Plaza site, it’s not clear what would happen to the Centre Avenue location. Taylor told the Courier he has not been able to speak with Whole Foods Market officials. He said he is not calling for a boycott of Whole Foods—yet. When LG Realty displaced the Penn Plaza residents, Whole Foods “made people feel as though they were on the side of the people” by backing out of the deal, said Penn Hills resident Lorraine Penn. “But now they’re going to go ahead with it, no one’s forgotten that. Housing is important. Community is important. So no, I don’t agree with it,” she told the Courier. LG Realty said that the new development would actually bring more money into the fold to build affordable housing near the Penn Plaza site, and the company committed putting $1 million into improving Enright Park, which sits near the site. But for Penn, the money for new affordable housing, estimated in the millions over time, still wasn’t worth the bulldozers that ultimately demolished the longstanding Penn Plaza buildings. “I never see them displacing people out of Bloomfield and Garfield,” Penn said. “I never see that.”
A12
MAY 22-28, 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier
Debbie Norrell, LaMont Jones Jr. win PBMF Awards! Metro B8
Classifieds
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B4-B5
MAY 22-28, 2019
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
B
Financial tips for 2019 college graduates
A FAMILY AFFAIR—On hand for the big event to see Lance Hyde receive the NMSDC Supplier Diversity Professional of the Year award were Lanzy Hyde, Sandy Hyde, Saniah Hyde, Alexa Hyde, Carmen Hyde, Layla Hyde and Brenda Hyde, far right. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
EQT’s Lance Hyde named Supplier Diversity Professional of the Year Hyde recognized nationally for advancing minority businesses by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
In 2012, when Lance Hyde landed in Pittsburgh to head EQT Corporation’s Supplier Diversity program, he never imagined that within a seven-year period he would have accomplished all that he has. In 2015, he said, “I am blessed to be in an occupation and situations where I am able to help small business owners and to contribute to their job growth.” It is calculated that since Hyde joined EQT as the single head count of EQT’s supplier diversity program, EQT’s annual diversity spend has increased 1,544 percent, from $73 million in January 2012 to $1.2 billion in 2018. As a result, EQT became the first oil and gas company to invest over $1 billion dollars of Tier 1 spend with diverse suppliers in one year in the U.S. and thus, was named the NMSDC’ Class 1 National Corporation of the Year, according to Hyde. Due to Hyde’s efforts, EQT, a
national member of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, is winner of this year’s EMSDC Best Practice, Corporate Leadership Cornerstone, and National Corporation of the Year awards. They also won the
NMSDC’s Class I Corporation of the Year Award. On May 16, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, during their Leadership Awards Gala in New York City, recognized nine individuals and
LEADER OF ALL LEADERS—The Rev. Jesse Jackson encourages awards gala attendees to never give up.
companies they consider pivotal to NMSDC achieving its mission. Hyde was awarded Supplier Diversity Professional of the Year. The award is presented to a national corporate member with at least two years of experience in a corporate supplier diversity role. The recipient demonstrates exceptional action, engagement and leadership in supplier diversity in support of NMSDC’s mission. Other awardees included: President’s Economic Impact Award, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson of the Rainbow Push Coalition; CEO of the Year, John Donovan, CEO, AT&T Communications; CPO of the Year, Tony Tomczak, Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Procurement Officer, DTE Energy; MBE of the Year, Sidd Ahmed, Founder and President, VDart; Lifetime Achievement, Sidney Johnson, Vice Chair of NMSDC and Former Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management; and APTIV Vanguard SEE HYDE B2
This year, it is projected that nearly 2 million students will graduate with a bachelor’s degree. As these grads enter the job market and start their careers, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) offers the following financial guidance to help them build a strong financial foundation. Look past the salary when reviewing job offers It may be tempting to select a job based solely upon the salary. However, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, benefits actually average 31.4 percent of a total compensation package. That means it is important to have a detailed understanding of what a prospective employer is offering in terms of health insurance, sick and vacation time, 401(k) or other retirement savings match, and any additional benefits. It’s possible that a job offering a higher salary and less competitive benefits may be providing less total compensation than an offer with a lower salary, but more robust benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask for specific and detailed information about benefits when weighing a job offer. You should also consider career growth prospects. An employer with a promising future and a track record of encouraging staff development can provide superior opportunities that increase your personal value as you build experience. Once you begin your job, make sure you are taking advantage of all the perks being offered and understand the options available to you. It’s important to stay on top of any changes to your benefits: your human resources department likely offers an annual open enrollment period when you can make changes to your benefits, such as the health insurance you’ve selected, or add additional benefits, such as dental or vision insurance. The recurring cost of the premium isn’t the only significant component of a plan’s cost. A plan may offer lower premiums, but also require higher deSEE GRADUATES B2
Byron Allen expands his empire Purchases Fox Regional Sports Network
by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—One year ago, Byron Allen made a historic purchase of The Weather Channel for $300 million along with The Weather Channel’s streaming service, Local Now. However, the businessman, comedian, and executive, was just getting started. A week ago, it was announced that Allen joined the Sinclair Broadcast Group as a minority investor in its purchase of 21 Fox regional sports networks from Walt Disney Company. “With that purchase [The Weather Channel], we were able to break the color barrier as the first general market cable network ever owned by an African American,” Allen said in a recent interview published in Black Enterprise Magazine. As a result of the $10.6 billion acquisition deal, Allen’s company, Entertainment Studios, announced that it will buy four local stations from Bayou City Broadcasting for $165 million, according to Variety. Black Enterprise reported that the acquisition gives Allen ownership of CBS affiliate station WEV V, NBC affiliate KLAF, and Fox affiliates WEEV and K ADN. “This is a very exciting transaction for Sinclair to be able to acquire highly complementary assets,” said Chris Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair, in the statement.
“While consumer viewing habits have shifted, the tradition of watching live sports and news remains ingrained in our culture,” Ripley said. To acquire the sports networks, Sinclair reportedly formed an indirect subsidiary called Diamond Sports Group L.L.C. with Allen, who will operate
BYRON ALLEN
as an equity and content partner in Diamond. The deal is expected to be completed by February 2020. The Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. reportedly outbid a collection of other high-profile bidders, including O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson Sr. who tried to buy the RSNs through his 3-on-3 basketball league, Big3, with the backing of Magic Johnson, LL Cool J, and Serena Williams. In a statement, Allen praised Bayou City owner DuJuan McCoy in announcing the new deal. “DuJuan McCoy is an outstanding broadcaster and he has done a phenomenal job of assembling a strong management team to operate these network affiliate stations,” Allen said. “This is another milestone for our company, as we have now agreed to purchase our very first broadcast television stations and continue to look for other opportunities to grow our global media company through strategic acquisitions,” he said. Allen’s new purchase marks an expansion for Entertainment Studios, which already operates nine cable channels and serves nearly 160 million subscribers. The company has a film production and distribution arm as well. “I’ve always thought of business as a contact sport. I’m not going to play just in the Negro Leagues. I’m always going to play in the global leagues,” Allen said. “And I want kids who look like me to not put themselves in a box. I want them to see what I do as a beacon,” he said.
B2
MAY 22-28, 2019
BUSINESS
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
EQT’s Lance Hyde named Supplier Diversity Professional of the Year HYDE FROM B1
Award, Jacqueline Marie Matos, President and CEO, Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council. In his humble and soft-spoken manner during his remarks, Hyde encouraged the Minority Business Enterprises, which he classified as some of the most talented MBEs in the country and some of the most powerful influential wealthiest corporations in the world, to work together to achieve one common goal—to support the mission of NMSDC. By doing so he said economic wealth and sustainable jobs can be generated to help underserved and underrepresented communities across the country. “Together as one team, we will be assisting our country become more inclusive and diverse, making it a better country for all of us to live and prosper together.” Jose’ R. Mas, CEO of MasTec, an EQT MBE supplier, considers Hyde an advocate for MBEs. “He pushes and looks out for us,” he said. Halfway through the Mountain Valley Pipeline contract, MasTec is building a pipeline through the Appalachians in the West Virginia area. When introducing Hyde before presenting him with his award, Mas mentioned that Hyde is making entrepreneurs’ dreams become a reality in the oil and gas industry and at EQT. He said Hyde has opened doors,
provided opportunities, served as a mentor and along the way continues to be honest, forcing to step up one’s game and stand up to the challenge. “He is someone that understands that diversity is not just a social responsibility, but good for business. I am honored to present this award to an individual that not just gets it but lives it while embodying all the qualities and leadership skills to make the case, open the doors to find the right fit and most importantly serves as a mentor, serving as a bridge and facilitator for all that have a dream,” Mas said. Traveling from Pittsburgh in support of Hyde, his mentor, Attorney Glenn Mahone considers the recognition an extraordinary national award. “The honor is monumental. Lance is deserving. He has set goals and passed the mark. He is a brilliant man and I’m glad to be here.” Other supporters on hand included EQT’s Steven Anthos, director of strategic sourcing, who Hyde credits for hiring him, and Martin Shepherd, director of land services. Additional Pittsburgh-based representatives were Bony Dawood, CEO of Dawood Engineering; Dennis J. Garrett, CEO of Blue Lake Pacifica Energy Group, LLC; John Bettis III, president of Bettis Brothers Sand and Gravel; Lester Jones, director of New Business Development of Bettis Brothers
Sand and Gravel; Shuresh Ramanathan, owner of KORYAK Consulting; and Shepherd and Leo Flanagan of the Advanced Leadership Program Initiative at Carnegie Mellon’s MBA Program, in which Hyde participates. Also, Valarie J. Cofield, president and CEO of the EMSDC was in attendance, as was Sharmagne Taylor, owner of On-Site Partners, based in Houston. Hyde’s’ parents traveled to the event from California, and his wife and three children also made the trip. National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, Henry Childs II, awards gala keynote speaker, addressed the theme, “The State of Minority Business: The Business and Economic Impact.” Headed by Adrienne Trimble, NMSDC advances business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises, connecting them to corporate members. “Because of NMSDC’s work, minority business is no longer synonymous with small business,” said Trimble. “Our awards tonight recognize hard work, earnest efforts, and tangible results. In 2018, the mutually beneficial relationships that we facilitated between certified MBEs and our corporate members resulted in $400 billion of economic output and 2.2 million jobs.”
Financial tips for college graduates GRADUATES FROM B1
ductibles and out of pocket maximums. Depending on one’s usage of health care services, a higher premium might still result in a lower out-of-pocket cost overall, so considering all components as well as your medical history is important. Taking an hour or two to understand your options and choose the plan that is right for you can save a lot of money. Come up with a plan for student loan debt For recent college graduates who earned a bachelor’s degree, the average student loan debt is $28,500. Once you get your first paycheck, develop a monthly budget that factors in your loan payments. You should also determine how much money you can save over time if you are more aggressive and put more than the minimum toward your loan balance. If you’re able to pay extra, check with your student loan provider to make sure that your payments are being applied to the loan principal, which will reduce your overall balance. Otherwise, your loan provider may just apply them to future payments and push your next due date back. Most importantly, come up with a plan that you are confident in and able to stick to so you don’t miss any payments. To help develop a repayment plan that works for you, the 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy program has a loan calculator that will help you understand your options for getting out of debt. It’s never too early to start saving For many young adults, their first job after college will provide the most money they’ve ever earned. It can be tempt-
ing to fall into the habit of spending all of your paycheck. However, by instilling the discipline of savings as soon as you start earning a paycheck, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. Plan to participate in your employer’s 401(k) plan, if one is offered. A good goal is to contribute enough to receive the full employer match, if one is offered. This money should be viewed as retirement savings only, because that is what it is intended for. Early withdrawals usually come with penalties and taxes, and should be avoided if at all possible. As a parallel savings goal, begin building up an emergency fund. The best way to do this is to make regular contributions to a savings account with a rule that these funds can only be used in certain situations. Medical bills, mandatory car or home repairs, or covering rent in the event of job loss are some examples for which the money might be earmarked. Experts recommend having three to six months living expenses on hand in an emergency fund. And one additional benefit is that having these funds available in the event of an emergency means you won’t need to tap into your retirement savings or run up credit card debt with high interest charges. Your CPA can help! Establishing a financial plan is the best way to ensure your hard work is helping you get closer to your life goals. Speaking with a CPA is a great first step for developing a budget, paying off your loans, and getting started on retirement savings. Turn to him or her with your financial questions. To find a CPA in your area or for more financial tips, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
BUSINESS CALENDAR PowerBreakfast
MAY 23—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA will host a rare Thursday PowerBreakfast meeting, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Rivers Club in Oxford Center, Pittsburgh 15222. This month’s speaker will be Equitrans Midstream COO Diana Charletta, who will discuss the EQT spinoff’s vison and what it means for the region. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Call 412-3920610 for more information.
Workshop
MAY 30—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will present What is My Business Worth, 6 to 8 p.m. at Enterprise Bank, 4091 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park, 15101. The workshop will focus on the complexities of business valuations and acquisitions. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Call Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1448 for more information.
Entrepreneurs Conference
JUNE 6—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host its 21st Annual Entrepreneurs Growth and Networking Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Duquesne Union, 4th floor, 700 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15282. The event features dozens of workshops, a Business Building Tradeshow, and leaders in technology, marketing, management and more. Cost is $139 and includes breakfast and lunch. Early registrants can save $50. For more information call 412-396-1633.
Food Business Workshop
JUNE 10—The Chatham University Women’s
Business Center will host a workshop on the legal considerations and food safety requirements for all types of food operations, from festivals and food trucks to caterers and restaurants. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., Chatham Eastside campus, 6585 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206. Representatives from the Allegheny County Health Department will also discuss permitting and compliance requirements. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Call Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1448 for more information.
PowerBreakfast
JUNE 14—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA will host its PowerBreakfast meeting, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Rivers Club in Oxford Center, Pittsburgh 15222. The speaker will be Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis, who will discuss planned expansions, new flights and carriers, and what opportunities they offer for small and Blackowned businesses. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members.
Workshop
JUNE 20—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh 15282. The workshop covers several topics, including: Business structure and formation; Fictitious name registration; insurance; employee relations; financing options; taxation requirements and more. Cost: $25. For more information call 412-396-1633.
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 22-28, 2019
B3
Graduation Season: Celebrating accomplishments, committing to equality
Guest Editorial
New abortion laws in some states do not bode well for the rest of U.S. Last week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law one of the most stringent abortion laws in any state in the nation to date. The law, which is known as the “heartbeat bill” and takes effect in 2020, states that any fetus with a heartbeat is a person. The law prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is sometimes before women know they are pregnant, or six weeks. Later abortions still are allowed if the impregnated woman was a victim of rape or incest, if her life is in danger, or if the fetus would not be able to survive after birth. To obtain an abortion after six weeks because of rape or incest, a woman would have to file a police report. Any doctor or nurse who performs an abortion is required under law to report it to the state. And any doctor or nurse who performs an abortion, or pharmacist who provides medications to induce an abortion for reasons other than the exceptions in the law, could be charged with homicide. An impregnated woman who has an abortion for reasons other than the exceptions or performs an abortion on herself could also be charged with homicide. That is, the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and impregnated women could face felony charges. If convicted of those charges, they could go to prison for many years. (And we don’t need to remind you that Black people tend to get longer prison sentences than white people who commit the same crimes.) And then, when they get out of prison, they wouldn’t be able to vote. They might have trouble finding jobs. They would, essentially, become non-citizens. Now consider that similar measures have been proposed — and passed—in other states. Governors in Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio have signed similar laws. A federal judge in Kentucky blocked the law there, and a federal judge in Mississippi is expected to hear a challenge of that state’s anti-abortion law later this month. Lawmakers in Tennessee and South Carolina have pressed for fetal heartbeat laws, and the Arkansas legislature has narrowed the time frame during which women can have abortions. Lawmakers in Alabama are considering an even more stringent law that would ban abortions at every stage of pregnancy unless the impregnated woman’s health was at “serious risk.” At press time, the lawmakers still were debating whether to make exceptions for women who were victims of rape or incest. Under the proposed Alabama law, any doctor who performs an abortion could be charged with a felony and sentenced to up to 99 years in prison. Women would be exempt from prosecution. And a proposal in Texas would allow capital punishment for anyone who received or performs an abortion. With the push for these laws, conservative anti-choice advocates are taking a page from the progressive playbook. Progressives got marriage equality legalized state by state before the issue went to the Supreme Court. They have been working to do the same with the decriminalization and legalization of recreational marijuana. Some conservatives are trying to get abortion criminalized state by state. They are hoping to bring one of their laws up through the court system to challenge Roe v. Wade. Tom McClusky, president of March for Life Action, which opposes abortion, told The Washington Post that bills like Georgia’s “lay the groundwork for pushing the envelope of life even farther” and that the anti-abortion movement is looking to the Supreme Court to resolve the longstanding debate around abortion. “What we’d like to do is change the culture so that no family facing this situation would think of the option of abortion,” he told the Post. Making abortion a felony—for the doctor, nurse, pharmacist or impregnated woman—is not the way to do that. Rending people non-citizens is not the way to do that. Further marginalizing people who might already be marginalized is not the way to do that. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“You are young, gifted, and Black. We must begin to tell our young, ‘There’s a world waiting for you, Yours is the quest that’s just begun.’”—James Weldon Johnson Each year I have the privilege to speak at commencement ceremonies at colleges and universities large and small, across the country. Most recently I had the honor to address Grambling State University—an HBCU that is experiencing a resurgence under President Rick Gallot—most notably for its cutting-edge new cybersecurity program. As an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. I’m proud to join the “Gram Fam.” To them—and to all the graduates of 2019—I share the message of “the three B’s”—the ballot, the book and the buck. The ballot: this generation must thunder to the polls to make its voice heard, even as there are forces at work to silence it. We cannot surrender the power of the ballot. The book: today’s graduates achieve something fewer than 25 percent of African Americans have achieved, a college degree. May their learning and curiosity continue for life. The buck: our people must accumulate appreciating assets—real estate, investments, small businesses. This generation must build a new path toward economic empowerment. These commencement ceremonies are always joyous occasions, attended by parents bursting with pride over their children’s achievements. As someone who has the privilege to lead a movement that has dedicated itself to preparing every child for col-
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal lege, work and life, I share that pride. More than three million students and adults have been served by Urban League affiliates’ education services since 2005. Earlier this month, many of our affiliates in the Project Ready program celebrated College Signing Day, highlighting the achievements of our highs schoolers who have been accepted to further their educations. While I’m proud of our Urban League accomplishments—as proud as those parents in the crowds at college commencements—I am also reminded of those whom opportunity has eluded. As the late evolutionary biologist Stephen J. Gould wrote, “I am, somehow, less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops.” This week marked the 65th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, one of the most significant civil rights cases of the 20th Century. We were proud to participate in the commemorative rally at the U.S. Capitol commemorating the decision. Falling as it does in the midst of graduation season, it is an occasion to reflect on the significance of the decision
and how far we have yet to go. Our mission to prepare every child for college, work and life is especially close to my heart as the son of an educator, and also as a child of the south, born into the waning days of Jim Crow. My parents attended segregated schools and I was one of the very first black students at the schools I attended. In 1954, the year Brown was decided, my father became the first African American to receive a law degree from Louisiana State University. In that same year, my mother was rejected from attending graduate school at Tulane University because of her race. It is the stories of my parents’ generation, and those who came before them, that inspires the work of the National Urban League and the Urban League Movement. We are improving outcomes not only for the students enrolled in our programs, but for public schools as a whole, thanks to our advocacy and activism. The National Urban League’s Equity and Excellence project supports local, state and national advocacy, engagement and education reform efforts. Most recently, we issued “report cards” to states around the country, evaluating their federally-required plans to address educational inequity. We included recommendations like Congressional hearings on the areas of concern we identified. The Urban League Movement is committed to opening the doors of opportunity to every child, in every community. You can find out more about our efforts—and how you can help—at ncos.iamempowered.com.
Where is Harriet? (TriceEdneyWire.com)—I know it sounds like such a long time ago that Barack Obama was our dearly beloved President, but when he was President, we rejoiced in the fact that Harriet Tubman was finally going to be properly recognized at the national level for all the work she did under dangerous circumstances to perfect our union. Those who knew of her great work were overjoyed that her likeness was going to grace the $20 bill. We were so sure that planning for that to happen was already underway. Hearing nothing about that effort since President Obama left office, we are concerned. Is anyone planning to make it happen? I’ve been hearing things are at a standstill. Maybe you should ask your elected representatives to find out the status of the project. The person who can answer that is Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, but good luck in reaching his office! That’s why I’m suggesting asking your Member of Congress to raise the question for us. Harriet was a freedom fighter and did all that she could to bring people out of slavery. She did all that she could to save our country from its evil ways toward Black and Native people. She was known as the Conductor of the Underground Railroad through her celebrated Civil War service as a soldier, spy and as a nurse. She risked her life to save others even when some were too afraid to help themselves.
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary
It is from the outset an inclusive and indivisible freedom: the collective practice of self-determination in and for community. Thus, its’s not enough for her to free herself, for that to her was only an escape from the immediate bondage of the devilish enslaver and the radically evil system they built and maintained. And it wasn’t enough to have crossed a line that in most minds meant leaving the land of bondage and entering the land of ‘freedom’ and forgetting those left behind.” We must not allow this administration to prevent Harriet from receiving the honor she deserves. Representative Elijah Cummings, Rep. John Katko and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen offered a bit of hope when they raised concern that the administration is stalling this historic effort and have urged them to follow through and expedite the redesign of the $20 bill. Meanwhile, they’ve introduced a bill to pass the Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2019. That’s fine, but we must take action to put her likeness on the $20 bill to reflect the contributions of all women, especially women of color, in perfecting our union. Call your Member of Congress today on 202/225-3121 to ask for the status of the $20 bill that is to carry Harriet Tubman’s likeness, replacing Andrew Jackson.
She had the kind of courage we so badly need today. She was a selfless leader and liberator. She cared so much for our people that even when she went through dangerous terrain to free herself, she continued to return to bring others out of slavery. Harriet was the kind of strategist we need today, and Lord knows we need one who can get us through the current administration that seems to hate everybody and all that is good. Many of us who call ourselves leaders are weary from having to continue to fight the same battles for justice and equality. Maulana Karenga described Harriet in a way that puts our people to shame who are always too tired, too busy and too uncaring to do liberation work. He described her as an “all-seasons soldier, abolitionist, freedom fighter, strategist, teacher, nurse, advocate of human, civil and women’s rights…At the heart, center and core (E. Faye Williams is national president of of the life, work and struggle of Harriet Tubman is her focus on freedom. the National Congress of Black Women.)
Decades after Brown v. Board of Education, we risk going backward by Jesse Jackson Last week marks the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the unanimous Supreme Court decision that outlawed apartheid in America, declaring segregated schools “inherently unequal” and unconstitutional. Today, the common sense of the Brown decision is under attack. For nearly three decades, our schools have been resegregating, reversing the progress made under Brown, reflecting the deep racial and economic segregation of our communities. Worse, several of Donald Trump’s nominees to the federal courts refuse even to endorse Brown as unassailable law. As the United States grows more diverse, we run the risk of becoming more separate and more unequal. The decision in Brown was and is compelling. Racially segregated schools were and are inherently separate and unequal. They also were and are unequal in resources. In affluent, largely white suburbs, public schools are new and modern, with advanced facilities and courses and good teachers. In low-income, minority neighborhoods, schools tend to be old and dilapidated, with less experienced teachers, fewer resources and fewer advanced courses. Research shows that integration works. Segregation injures the chances for achievement, college success, long-term employment and income of students of color. Integration raises those chances with no detriment to white students. Indeed, the experience of going to a diverse school bet-
ter prepares students of all races for the world they will enter. With neighborhoods largely segregated—a legacy of racially restrictive laws and covenants, of bank and real estate redlining and more—integration of public schools inevitably required busing. Busing, of course, is routine across America, a service to parents. But opponents of integration used “forced busing” to arouse fears and hatred. The question was never about busing, it was about where the bus delivered the students. When the federal courts, packed by judges appointed by Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, retreated from desegregation orders, the schools began to re-segregate. Now, as Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-Va., chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor, concludes: “After four decades without federal support for desegregation, we are right back where we started,” with schools that are increasingly separate and unequal. A recent report, “Harming our Common Future, America’s Segregated Schools 65 Years After Brown,” by the UCLA Civil Rights Project and the Pennsylvania State University Center for Education and Civil Rights, detailed the bleak reality. As the Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss summarizes, “Over the past three decades, Black students have been increasingly segregated in intensely segregated schools (defined as 90 to 100 percent nonwhite).” By 2016, 40 percent of all Black students were in segregated schools. The worst states? The “blue” states of New York, California, Illinois and
Maryland, with New York the most segregated for Blacks and California the most segregated for Latinos. This isn’t just an urban problem: our suburbs are increasingly divided by race, with African American suburban students attending schools that are three-fourths nonwhite, and White students in the same suburbs going to schools that are, on average, two-thirds White. Charter schools—increasingly a profit-making venture rather than an educational one—are even more segregated than traditional public schools. Schools are segregated because our neighborhoods are segregated. Without residential integration and without metropolitan-wide integration policies, segregation will intensify, even as the country grows more diverse. Now 65 years later, we face a stark choice: the promise of Brown or a country torn apart by racial tensions. Sadly, as Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, reports, Donald Trump’s nominees to the federal bench increasingly refuse to endorse Brown v. Board as unassailable law. The Republican Senate is about to confirm three of these judges to lifetime appointments. Like the Voting Rights Act, gutted by five right-wing justices in the Shelby case, Brown v. Board of Education itself may be at risk. Sixty-five years later, with our country more diverse than ever, we must once again decide if we will be one nation, with liberty and justice for all. That cannot be left to right-wing judges or timorous politicians.
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
B4
MAY 22-28, 2019
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Help Wanted
Public Notice
CARPENTER
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A CHANGE TO THE PUBLIC HEARING DATE AND SCHEDULE FOR THE FY 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CDBG, HOME, ESG, AND HOPWA PROGRAMS CITY OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
Carpenter/handy man for repair work on rental units in Hill District. Call 302-331-5833. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: June 6, 2019 4:00 PM CCAC Allegheny CampusByers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
MEETING
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for May on Thursday, May 23, 2019. The board meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. @ 200 Ross Street, 13th Floor Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE NEEDS FOR THE CDBG, HOME, ESG, AND HOPWA PROGRAMS CITY OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
Notice is hereby given by the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA that it will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the First Floor Conference Room, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The building is handicapped accessible through the rear. If special arrangements need to be made to accommodate residents in order for them to participate in the public hearing, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Daniels-Totten, CDBG Program Supervisor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The phone number is (412) 255-0740, fax number is (412) 393-0151, email is Elizabeth. Daniels-Totten@PittsburghPA.gov and the TDD number is 711. The purpose of this public hearing is to gather information for the City’s Annual Action Plan for FY 2019, which the City must submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement funds, HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funds. Additionally, the hearing will be used to solicit the views and comments of individuals and organizations concerning the housing, community and economic development, and fair housing needs in the City. All interested residents are encouraged to attend this public hearing and they will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the needs of the City of Pittsburgh and the use of CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA funds to address those needs over the next fiscal year. Written comments may be addressed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Community Development Division, attention Elizabeth Daniels-Totten, CDBG Program Supervisor, 200 Ross Street, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The phone number is (412) 255-0740, email is Elizabeth. Daniels-Totten@PittsburghPA. gov, fax number is (412) 393-0151, and the TDD number is 711 for the hearing impaired. David Hutchinson Assistant Director Capital and Asset Management City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Geneva Wallace, deceased, Case No. 3046 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on April 8, 2019, a Petition was filed by Dorothy Hill, Petitioner, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Geneva Wallace, deceased, in the real estate located at 6521 Shetland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, and determine that fee simple title is in Dorothy Wallace, Petitioner. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Dorothy Hill will seek an Order adjudging that Geneva Wallace’s title is in Dorothy Hill.
The notice is hereby given by the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA is canceling the public hearing scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in the First Floor Conference Room, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. This meeting is going to be rescheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 in the First Floor Conference Room, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The building is handicapped accessible through the rear. If you are interested in attending the public hearing and need special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, and/or if you wish to present testimony or comment on the document, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Daniels-Totten at (412) 255-0740, or, Elizabeth.Daniels-Totten@PittsburghPA.gov, by Tuesday, June 11, 2019. In addition, the City is extending the time period that the draft Annual Action Plan for FY 2019 will be on display and online until Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The FY 2019 Annual Action Plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before Friday, June 28, 2019. Written or verbal public comments on the draft FY 2019 Annual Action Plan will be received until Wednesday, June 19, 2019 and should be directed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Community Development Division, attention Elizabeth Daniels-Totten, CDBG Program Supervisor, 200 Ross Street, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The phone number is (412) 255-0740, email is Elizabeth.Daniels-Totten@PittsburghPA.gov, fax number is (412) 393-0151, and the TDD number is 711 for the hearing impaired. All interested persons, groups, and organizations are encouraged to attend this public hearing and will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the proposed plan and use of Federal funds under the draft FY 2019 Annual Action Plan. David Hutchinson Assistant Director Capital and Asset Management City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget
SONNY BOY
6 4 3
9 1 8
0 2 7
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Legal Notices
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT
Estate of MARGARET M. SCURICH, Deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania No. 02-19-00756, Roberta Scurich, Executrix, 411 Montgomery Avenue (Rear), Bridgeville, PA 15017 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, ATTY; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Estate of DONALD LEE SPRATT, Deceased of 93 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. Estate No. 02-19-02866 Ms. Kara Hoff, 1100 Kings Lane, Moon Township, PA 15108, Testatrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate of NILE FRANKLIN BARTON a/k/a NILE F. BARTON, Deceased of Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County Pennsylvania No. 02-19-02916. Carole D. Barton, Executor, 2612 Ridge Road, Finleyville, PA 15332 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time June 11, 2019 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: Custodial Small Equipment Custodial Paper Products Custodial Chemicals/Soaps Window Cleaning General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pgh schools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public Notice
Public Notice
Public Notice
NOTICE CITY OF PITTSBURGH
Notice is hereby given that the following amendments are being made to the 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 budgets of the City of Pittsburgh’s Community Development Block Grant Program: PROJECT
YEAR
ORIGINAL AMOUNT
NEW AMOUNT
Neighborhood Learning Alliance
2010
$2,976.74
$2,800.00
Birmingham Foundation
2010
$2,500.00
$2,676.74
Neighborhood Works WPA
2012
$3,000.00
Hill Dance Academy Theatre
2012
$3,000.00
Schenley Heights Community Development Program
2013
Hill Dance Academy Theatre Manchester Citizens Corporation
CHANGE +/-
ACTIVITY
SERVICE AREA
-$176.74
Public Service
West End
$176.74
Public Service
City-Wide
$0.00
-$3,000.00
Public Service
City-Wide
$0.00
-$3,000.00
Public Service
City Central
$0.00
$6,000.00
$6,000.00
Public Service
NorthSide
2013
$5,000.00
$0.00
-$5,000.00
Public Service
City Central
2013
$0.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Public Service
NorthSIde
Neighborhood Learning Alliance
2014
$29,000.00
$21,634.54
-$7,365.46
Public Service
West End
Birmingham Foundation
2014
$5,500.00
$12,865.46
$7,365.46
Public Service
City-Wide
Mt. Washington CDC-Quality of Life Committee
2015
$10,000.00
$4,420.52
-$5,579.48
Public Service
West End
Elliott West End Athletic Association
2015
$0.00
$5,579.48
$5,579.48
Public Service
West End
Computer Reach
2016
$0.00
$3,000.00
$3,000.00
Youth Places Hurricanes
2016
$3,000.00
$0.00
Parks and Recreation
2017
$2,500.00
Southwestern PGH CDC
2017
$32,000.00
Computer Reach
2017
St. Andrews Lutheran Church
2017
Associated Master Plumbers of Allegheny County
Public Service
West End
-$3,000.00
Public Service
West End
$0.00
-$2,500.00
Public Service
West End
$20,500.00
-$11,500.00
Public Service
West End
$0.00
$250.00
$250.00
Public Service
West End
$0.00
$3,750.00
$3,750.00
Public Service
West End
2017
$0.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Public Service
West End
West End POWER
2017
$0.00
$2,500.00
$2,500.00
Public Service
West End
Birmingham Foundation-Westside Mustangs
2017
$2,500.00
$5,000.00
$2,500.00
Public Service
West End
District 1
2018
$31,000.00
$26,000.00
-$5,000.00
Public Service
NorthSide
Doors Open Pittsburgh
2018
$0.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Public Service
NorthSide
West End Employment Center
2018
$25,000.00
$0.00
-$25,000.00
Public Service
West End
Birmingham Foundation-Westside Mustangs
2018
$0.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Public Service
West End
Pittsburgh Musical Theatre
2018
$0.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Public Service
West End
The Education Partnership
2018
$0.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
Public Service
West End
Sheraden United Methodist ChurchKidz Klub
2018
$0.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Public Service
West End
The City of Pittsburgh is requesting comments on its proposed use of Community Development Block Grant funds and on the City’s past CDBG performance. Comments may be sent to: David Hutchinson Assistant Director for Community Development Office of Management and Budget 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 It is requested that comments be sent in no later than Thursday, June 6, 2019.
SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time June 12, 2019. INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 2019 Volunteers Field GSI Improvements PWSA PROJECT NO. 2018-GI-104-0 Work under this contract includes: the installation of 1 green infrastructure BMP system in the Volunteers Field Park. This includes excavation work, clearing and grubbing, protecting existing utilities, installation of underdrain piping, installation of BMP storage layers (#57 aggregate and engineered soil), installation of new catch basins, cored connections into existing manhole structures, landscape restoration, site excavation, and planting of shrubs, grasses, and perennials. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to procurement@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be to Nicole Dickun, Procurement Manager, via e-mail: ndickun@pgh2o.com, no later than June 5, 2019. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on May 29, 2019, 11:00 a.m. prevailing Time in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions. Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten Percent (10%) of the bid for the project under construction. Said Bond shall be duly and legally executed with a Surety or Trust Company which has complied with City Ordinances/Resolutions relating thereto. A Performance Bond and Labor and Material Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract value for each awarded project will be required after award. The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin. The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity. The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the opening of the bids. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work. ROBERT A. WEIMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140
E-mail:
ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday
noon preceding Wednesday publication
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
CLASSIFIEDS/METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
INVITATION FOR BIDS
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA May 15, 2019
The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for a three year period for the operation and maintenance of an irrigated, 0.64-acre landscape area on Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAAC) property at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Shady Avenue in the East Liberty neighborhood in the City of Pittsburgh, and all work incidental thereto required to complete East Liberty Transit Center (ELTC) Landscape Operations and Maintenance Contract No. 2-REBID, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on Wednesday, the.5th day of June, 2019, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor. Contract documents will be available on publicpurchase.com on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Contract documents will also be made available for pick up on Compact Disk (CD) upon request. Any addenda will be posted only on publicpurchase.com. A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted. Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, political and/or union affiliation. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requires that all bidders complete and submit Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. Bids may be held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the Contract. URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Robert Rubinstein Executive Director
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, June 12, 2019, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Gold Room, Room 410, County Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, onehalf hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 2019 CAPITAL ROADS RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM VARIOUS ROADWAYS VARIOUS MUNICIPALITIES COUNTY PROJECT NO. 7A00-1901 As a prospective bidder please note the following general Project information regarding: PreBid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions. See the Project Manual for detailed information, responsibilities and instructions. PRE-BID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Project Manual and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The non-refundable charge for the Proposal and a disk containing the Specifications and Drawings is $107.00 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY” in that amount and WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH OR EXTEND CREDIT. Prospective bidders may request to have bid documents mailed. An additional fee of $16.05 including tax, for handling costs for each requested proposal must be paid in advance. The fee must be received at the Office of the Contract Manager prior to the mailing of any documents. The Department of Public Works will hold a PreBid Meeting on May 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 505 County Office Building. Further details of this project, Bidding Requirements and Contract Conditions are available on the Allegheny County internet website (www.alleghenycounty.us; click on “Departments,” click on “Public Works” then click on Bids and Proposals).” For technical questions contact Ron Sander, P.E., Project Manager, at 412-350-5585. For contracting questions contact Dan Swisher, Contracts Manager, at 412-3505955 or 5924. Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
INVITATION FOR BIDS
The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for the removal and replacement of approximately 175 square yards of cement concrete sidewalk, 250 linear feet of concrete curb, a concrete driveway apron, and all work incidental thereto required to complete City Wide Sidewalk Replacement – 2019-Contract No. 1 until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on Tuesday, the.4th day of June, 2019, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor. Contract documents will be available on publicpurchase.com on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Contract documents will also be made available for pick up on Compact Disk (CD) upon request. Any addenda will be posted only on publicpurchase.com. A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted. Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits. Wages paid on this project shall not be less than the minimum wages determined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as set forth in the contract documents. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, political and/or union affiliation. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requires that all bidders complete and submit Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. Bids may be held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the Contract. URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Robert Rubinstein Executive Director
315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication
B5
SONNY BOY
Courier’s ‘Brotha Ash’ Woodson new leasing specialist for Bedford Hill Apartments Throughout Ashley Woodson’s 13 years as a New Pittsburgh Courier photographer, not to mention through his “Brotha Ash Productions” independent company, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t had their picture taken by Woodson. While still holding down his position as manager of his late uncle Timothy Miles’ bar, Tim’s Bar, in the Hill District, Woodson has embarked on a new journey— leasing specialist for Bedford Hill Apartments. “It feels great, I’m from Bedford Avenue all day. I like helping people period, but in this capacity, it’s even better,” Woodson told the Courier, May 21, his second day on the new job. Bedford Hill Apartments, located in the Hill District, is operated by McCormack Baron Salazar, has one- and two-bedroom affordable apartment homes and townhomes with washers and dryers, modern kitchens, intrusion alarms and decks, and patios or balconies in most floorplans, according to its website.
There’s free wireless internet in the community room and business center, plus a playground and cardio fitness center on site. Woodson said he’s looking forward to helping residents—many
of whom he knows and vice versa—with any apartment-related issues. Woodson covers a variety of entertainment-related functions for the New Pittsburgh Courier.
ASHLEY WOODSON
Howsie unanimously confirmed for Common Pleas Court
President Judge Clark still mulling his assignment HOWSIE FROM A1
America’s Best Weekly
MAY 22-28, 2019
confirmation. Now the only question is in which division Howsie will serve—civil, criminal, family or orphans’ court. He reiterated that his preference is to work in either criminal or family division and said he has discussed it with President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, and it would likely be family division. Judge Clark’s office said she cannot yet announce her decision as some details have to be worked out. Howsie fills the vacancy created when Judge Donna Jo McDaniel stepped down in January. Black Political Empowerment Project Chair Tim Stevens said Howsie’s confirmation is huge, noting that when he was younger there were upwards of 20 Black judges on Common Pleas Court. “We’ve regressed in that respect,” Stevens said. “Part of it is the expense; it costs a lot of money to run a countywide race and Black candidates are often at a disadvantage when
raising funds. So I am continuing to urge both the Republican and Democratic parties to endorse more Black judicial candidates.” Stevens said the need for Black judges is critical because of the large number of defendants coming through the court system— particularly criminal court—are African Americans. A judge like Howsie, Stevens said, who grew up in Wilkinsburg and went to Central Catholic High School, has a level of cultural sensitivity. White jurists, no matter how well intentioned, do not, Stevens said. And Howsie said as much himself when he thanked the governor for his nomination. “Having grown up in a lower-income community in Wilkinsburg, I know how the criminal justice system impacts the lives of the people who most often grace the front steps of our courts,” he said. “Through my upbringing, my work experience on both sides of the courtroom, and my time in social services, I know the decisions
made by judges have a generational impact on the lives of people in our county.” Stevens thinks Howsie’s sensitivity to that impact should be displayed in criminal court. “Not to step on Judge Clark’s first judicial assignment—which is itself historic—I think should be in criminal court,” he said. “Plus it’s an equity matter. White judges are spread through all the divisions. Why not Blacks?” Currently there are no Black judges in the criminal division. The last Black person to serve in that division was Williams, who is now in orphans’ court. All the other Black judges serve in family division. Stevens did concede, however, that given the nature of family court—handling cases involving juvenile probation, restorative justice, divorce, separation, child custody, and domestic abuse— Howsie could make a positive generational impact. “That’s why we need more like him,” Stevens said.
Development beginning soon on Civic Arena site To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129 TO PLACE AN AD IN SOUL READERS Call 412-481-8302, Ext. 140 The deadline for all ads to be placed is Monday at 4 p.m. All ads must be paid for in advance. We accept Money Orders, Credit Cards and Western Union “Quick Collect” payments.
DEVELOPMENT FROM A1
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-June and run through November 2021. Because the cap is essentially a bridge across an interstate highway, it is a PennDOT job. However, as SEA Executive Director Mary Conturo told the Courier, May 21, it’s even more complicated. “So PennDOT is the construction manager, but because a 3.2-acre green space will cover the cap, it’s a city park,” she said. “So, the construction contractor is being chosen by the city,” she said. “And that’s under the city’s Office of Mobility and Infrastructure. But the contract hasn’t been signed yet, so I can’t tell you who it is.”
Though the project is budgeted at $32 million, $19 million of that comes from a U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER grant. As such, there are federal requirements for contracting with MWDBEs (Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises). The U.S. DOT requires only 10 percent of its funded projects be “expended with small, disadvantaged business enterprises.” The city’s goals for MWDBE participation are higher; 18 percent for minority-owned firms and 7 percent for women-owned firms. Additionally, last May, Mayor Bill Peduto issued an executive order putting in place a
single Project Labor Agreement for all city construction projects that would require another 12 percent minority participation on the actual job site. Once the contract is signed, the contractor must submit an MWDBE plan to the Equal Opportunity Review Commission for approval. McCants Lewis is also one of the commissioners. Conturo said the entire process has been complicated, which is why it’s taken two years from the time the grant was awarded to actually get started. “The project has been under development for a long time,” she said. “We are very excited to have construction begin.”
To Pittsburgh’s African American community, the Courier is family. Subscribe today by calling 412-481-8302 ext. 134
B6
MAY 22-28, 2019
Forget the adversity score, just dump the SAT (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The College Board, the organization that develops and administers the SAT test, has developed a new “adversity score” to augment the widely used college admissions examination. The fact that the College Board has had to create an “adversity score” is reason enough to discard the badly flawed SAT test, a test that many consider racially biased, and that only measures the likelihood of firstyear college success. In other words, it measures the accumulated advantages that some students have over others because of the quality of their high schools, their family wealth, and other factors. The “adversity score” seeks to measure the disadvantages that some students experience. Interestingly, the “adversity score” does not measure race, although racial discrimination is alive and well in our nation. Indeed, the development of an adversity score that does not account for race is a capitulation to the anti-affirmative action forces, some directed by this administration’s Justice Department that have brought lawsuits against Harvard and other universities because of “anti-Asian” bias. It is also a bow to the argument that a White student from a poor family is more disadvantaged than a Black child whose family is upper-middle-class when there is plenty of evidence that this is not necessarily so. Structural racism is so woven into our national consciousness that child of middle-class
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary Black folks is likely to do worse than their parents did. Our nation is in race denial, and this adversity score, which does not consider race, is part of the denial. The pilot testing of the adversity score seems to indicate that using it may create more diverse admissions, but there are precious few details about the score (and it won’t even be shared with students and their parents). But the very existence of an adversity score raises questions about the efficacy of the SAT. This is perhaps why. This is an interesting time for the adversity score to be rolled out. Robert Schaffer, Public Education Director of Fair Test (the National Center for Fair and Open Testing) says the adversity scores are a way for the College Board to defend itself against its critics. He said, “Schools do not need the SAT or ACT—with or without ‘adversity scores—to make high-quality, admissions decisions that promote equity and excellence.” In fact, more than 1000 colleges and universities, including half for the top 100 liberal arts colleges, do not use the SAT to evaluate applicants. What should colleges use, instead, to evaluate students? How about high school grades? Some will argue that the quality of high schools varies. Well, that ought to be an impetus for improving the quality of some high schools, especially those in inner cities. How about class rank? The University of Texas uses class rank to admit some students, which ensures a diverse class given the segregation that remains in our nation’s high schools. The adversity score will purportedly reflect differences in high school quality. Eliminating the use of the SAT would do much the same, allowing college admissions counselors to make better decisions. The College Board says it is a nonprofit organization, but let’s follow the money. It makes so much money that its President, David Coleman, earns more than a million dollars a year, more than the President of Harvard University. The organization is making megabucks on the backs of our students, and it is reinforcing biases along the way. Some see the adversity score as a step in the right direction toward modifying the SAT. I see it as a defensive move to shore up a flawed test and an even more flawed organization. This fall, more than 150 colleges will use the adversity-enhanced SAT in their admissions process. Based on those results, more colleges will use the score to measure adversity. I know lots of folks who consider the development of an adversity score good news. It would be much better news if colleges and universities simply decided to stop using the SAT. It measures privilege, not knowledge, and it is demonstrably biased. Fixing a corrupt system instead of changing it only serves to reinforce the status quo. (Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)
FORUM
Are you a member of the NAACP? If not, why not? A couple of weeks him he was not alone. ago, I was in atten- Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick The NAACP had made dance at the traditionit possible for him and al dinner sponsored by untold numbers of other the Pittsburgh branch persons. of the NAACP. Were you in attendance? If There was a period not, why not? Have of time that we loved you ever been? If not, and would go the extra why not? The question mile to participate in was asked of those in the NAACP, but somecharge as to how many persons were in at- thing has gone wrong with us. Do we fail tendance at the Human Rights Dinner and to understand that much has changed but the answer was 400. Someone asked how too much remains the same? For example, many are members, and the answer was a program was developed 37 years ago, it about 160—the balance are guests of those was supposed to ensure that Blacks were to organizations that buy tickets yearly. obtain contracts. It has been A COMPLETE I was not stunned nor shocked because the FAILURE. Statistics don’t lie but statistiyears that I have spent in the NAACP have cians do. Unemployment, lack of affordable provided me with the understanding that housing, drugs, violence, etc., still saturate membership in the NAACP has been in con- the predominately-Black neighbors. stant decline. The guest speaker, Al SharpMark Brentley called the radio station the ton, spoke at length about the multitude of other day when the station was discussing problems that Blacks and the NAACP are the former St. Clair Village becoming an orconfronted with, but was at a loss about an- chard. Mark asked, “Is that more important swers to them. One of the most valid situa- than a discussion about what happened to tions that he referred to was an individual the hundreds of families moved out of St. who told him that he alone was responsible Clair?” (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New for obtaining a significant position solely by himself. Sharpton responded by reminded Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
The practice of threatening attorneys Police apprehended dangered. Eric Holder, a 29-year-old J. Pharoah Doss Stephen Kelson, an aspiring rapper, after a attorney, studies viotwo-day manhunt for the lence against the leMarch murder of Gramgal profession. A few my-nominated rap artist years ago, Kelson Nipsey Hussle. L.A. pofinished a 10-year lice chief Chris Michael study of 22 states Moore believes Holder and found that 35.5 is also a gang member, to 46.5 percent of but the Hussle shooting registered attorneys had nothing to do with gang rivals. Holder have been assaulted, and threats against was charged with one count of murder, two attorneys include phone calls, texts, letters, counts of attempted murder, and one count emails, stalking, online post, verbal threats of possession of a firearm by a felon. of violence or death, and attempts to hire Holder pled not guilty and faces a lifetime contract killers. conviction. Kelson said, “Those in family and criminal Chris Darden, the “Black prosecutor” law are at the highest risk.” made famous/infamous from the 1995 O.J. According to Kelson’s study, violence Simpson murder trial, became Holder’s de- against attorneys or acts of intimidation fense attorney. Darden was asked why he mostly occurred at courthouses or in attortook Holder as a client. Darden said, “I de- ney’s offices, but some participants in the fend poor people. That’s all I do.” Darden study mentioned they were targeted while started his own firm in 1999 specializing in traveling to jails or at their homes. criminal defense. Kelson said assaults against attorneys are Darden recently announced his decision usually reported, but threats aren’t. to step down from the Holder case because Why not? of death threats. Darden said, “After cenKelson stated the attorneys don’t feel turies of a history of Black men hung from threatened most of the time, but in some trees without trial, or after the thousands states it’s due to a distrust of law enforceof cases of Black men tried, convicted and ment. Other times, Kelson added, attorexecuted without counsel…I can’t under- neys don’t want to give the impression stand why in 2019 some people would that they can’t “take it.” Joan Bibelhausen, deny a Black man his 6th amendment executive director of Lawyers Concerned right to counsel of his choice, or why de- For Lawyers, a nonprofit that provides fending such a man should invite threats counseling for attorneys, stated the law not only against me but against my chil- is combative and no attorney wants a perdren, too.” ceived personal weakness to impact their Holder has been assigned a public defend- case. Bibelhausen stressed, “It’s difficult er. for lawyers to admit any vulnerability. Darden also said, “Just like they were in There’s a stigma against letting people 1995 cowards never change. These days know something gets to you.” these cowards don’t send letters, instead Bibelhausen lamented there’s also limthey sit anonymously behind keyboards ited public sympathy for attorneys. There threatening a man’s mother and children.” seems to be none for Chris Darden. These threats were serious enough for A famous Shakespeare line goes, “the first Darden not to take the risk every attorney thing we do is kill all the lawyers,” but death knows comes with the territory. Darden’s threats are just as effective. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittswithdrawal made me wonder how often lesser-known attorneys have their lives en- burgh Courier.)
Check It Out
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360 or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Armstrong Williams
Commentary
Let’s shoot the right people By the time it was all said and done, a young man lay dead in his own apartment, shot once in the chest by an off-duty police officer who apparently mistook his apartment for her own. The story of Botham Jean and his murder at the hand of Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger almost defies belief, especially at a time when the outcry over the extrajudicial killing by police of unarmed citizens has reached a national crescendo. How could such a thing have occurred? Contrast the slaying of the innocent in Jean’s tragic case to the almost surreally urbane treatment received by mass murderer Dylan Roof. After gunning down nine Black parishioners at a Charleston, South Carolina church and absconding in his car, Dylan was soon thereafter arrested without incident while driving in North Carolina. Unlike Jean, Roof was not shot, and in fact was taken to Burger King for a meal by the apprehending cops. Why is it that innocent people like Botham Jean keep dying as a result of mistaken identity, and yet the plainly evil seem to get—literally—a free lunch on their way to safe confinement? Isn’t it about time we started shooting the right people? In Parkland, Florida for example, when Nicholas Cruz gunned down 17 of his fellow students and school staff and wounded 17 others, he was eventually captured alive and put on trial. If Botham Jean could be ‘mistakenly’ shot on sight, why couldn’t Cruz? Contrast Cruz’ easy capture after committing a massacre to when beloved school maintenance man Philando Castile was pulled over by a Minnesota officer in 2016, the officer asked for his license. As required by law, Castile told the officer that he had a licensed firearm in the car, but when Castile reached into his back pocket to retrieve his license, the officer shot him seven times, killing him instantly. At trial, Officer Jeronimo Yanez said he reasonably feared for his life and shot Castile because he thought he was reaching for a weapon. Why is Cruz still alive and Castile dead? The question that bears asking is whether police officers, who are authorized to use deadly force if necessary to protect the public, should take it upon themselves to end the lives of despicable criminals when they are caught, rather than have the whole tragic episode drag on for years through trial and eventual conviction and imprisonment. If, even in cases of mistaken identity, they are rarely held liable for the deadly consequences of their mistakes, isn’t it conceivable that they would be acquitted for actually killing the right guy? The fact of the matter is that these bullies commit their crimes against innocent people and then have the nerve to try and hide behind their constitutional rights. They go into churches, into synagogues and mosques with the intent to terrorize innocent people, and then expect to be treated with kid gloves when they are caught. My question is, why can’t we start shooting these idiots on sight? Right now it seems we give wide latitude to the ‘reasonable apprehensions’ of officers who mistakenly shoot non-threatening individuals. And, we accord full constitutional rights to those who commit the worst of atrocities. There seems to be a gap somewhere in the middle where the true victims are lost—those who in either the case of police mistake and intentional evil by criminals actually lost their lives. In both cases the perpetrator gets to live another day, and sometimes, in the case of officers at least, are allowed to go on with their lives without any disruption. In this nebulous gap we’ve got a lot of dead and injured people, while the perpetrators seem to somehow face a much less dire fate. It takes less than a second to kill someone with a gun. But it seems it take almost a lifetime to try and convict a mass murdering bully for his crimes. The process drags on and on through the courts, with the murderer afforded every consideration our system of justice allows. While the victims’ family is left to mourn, and the victims themselves lay cold and dead under the ground, the perpetrator is housed, fed and accommodated on the public dime until they ultimately die of natural causes in prison. Something seems patently unfair about this. It’s time we start shooting the right people.
(Armstrong Williams is manager / sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year.)
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Chris Carter and Michele Newell host…
MAY 22-28, 2019
B7
The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation
31st Vann Media Awards
FRANK BOLEN URBAN MEDIA WORKSHOP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS—Christiana Dillard, second KDKA RADIO—Lynne Hayes-Freeland, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekday host, with longtime KDKA producfrom left, and Sean Spencer, second from right. Also pictured are Chris Moore, Olga George, center, er Timira Rush, at the PBMF Vann Media Awards, May 2. (Photos by Courier photographer Marlon Martin) and PBMF President Brian Cook Sr.
PBMF MEMBERS—Courier advertising coordinator Ashley Johnson, 90.5 WESA-FM’s Allegra Battle.
LEGACY AWARD WINNER BILLY JACKSON
SPORTS IS IN THE AIR—KDKA-TV and 93.7 The Fan’s Josh Taylor, Courier Managing Editor Rob Taylor Jr., DK Pittsburgh Sports reporter and WPXI-TV contributor Chris Carter, and PBMF President and Courier photographer Brian Cook Sr.
TRAILBLAZER AWARD WINNERS—1 Hood Media
COVERAGE YOU CAN COUNT ON—WPXI-TV Channel 11 reporters Erin Clarke, Michele Newell
B8
MAY 22-28, 2019
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Courier’s Norrell, Jones win PBMF Vann Media Awards CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Debbie Norrell and LaMont Jones Jr. in winning Pittsburgh Black Media Federation 2019 Vann Media Awards! Up against tough competition, Ms. Norrell received her award in the Newspaper Health/Science/Environment category for a story on “A New Sharon Epperson: CNBC Finance Expert Suffered Brain Aneurysm.” Mr. Jones received his award in the Newspaper Feature category for a story on “Cuba’s Open Secret: A Complex Color Bias Rooted in Colonialism Continues to Disadvantage Those There with Dark Skin.” Visit www.newpittsburghcourier.com and click on the “Latest Metro News” section to read the award-winning stories.
MICHAEL SANTIAGO of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette won an award in Online/Feature Photography. (Photos by Courier photographer ALEXIS WAINWRIGHT of WJAC-TV in Johnstown won an award in TV/Sports Feature during the May 2 event. Marlon Martin)
CHRIS MOORE AND MINETTE SEATE of WQED-TV, pictured above with PBMF President Brian Cook Sr., won an award in TV/Public Affairs for “The State of Black Pittsburgh 2018.” Lisa Washington and Rebecca Jean Born, not pictured, also were credited on the award.
DR. ERVIN DYER of Pitt Med Magazine/University of Pittsburgh won an award in Magazine/Feature.
LITERACY CHAMPIONS AWARD—Presented to The Langston Hughes Poetry Society.
LITERACY CHAMPIONS AWARD—Presented to Leon Ford. Accepting for Mr. Ford was his sister, Jordyn Ford, pictured above.
BRIAN BROOME of PublicSource, pictured with PBMF President Brian Cook Sr., won an award for Online Media/Public Affairs.